Winemaker Notes
The grapes for Chateau Souverain's Syrah come from our estate vineyards, located at the northern end of the Alexander Valley, adjacent to the western bank of the Russian River. The gravelly soils of the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, positioned on slopes overlooking the river, are of moderate fertility and vigor, which helps to keep the crop loads in good balance. The hillsides, located further back from the river provide the Mourvèdre with even less fertile soil than the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, helping to keep this large clustered variety stressed enough to ensure concentrated fruit development.
One of "The Year's Best Syrahs." "Rustic and dynamic, this has the energy syrah gets when the vine hits a balanced ripeness. There's an electricity between the crushed granite tannins and the crushed violet fruit, a juiciness in the end that keeps coming on..."
-Wines & Spirits
Professional Ratings
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.